The EU does not propose offering a clear accession prospect to a state. Any country that declares the European integration as foreign development course has such a prospect. But, in order to obtain firmly the status of accession candidate, a relevant request must be made. The term set by the Moldovan authorities – the spring of 2015 – for asking for this status is al realistic one, MEP Marian-Jean Marinescu has told IPN.
According to the official, the EU’s Basic Treaty says that any country that commits itself to respecting the values enshrined in it can apply for accession to the EU. “Moldova took important steps. It will sign an association agreement and will receive a liberalized-visa regime. If it continues to do what is required, I’m sure that it will have accession prospects, which is it will become a candidate for accession to the EU. Depending on the country’s efforts and the developments this year, Moldova will be able to submit an application for accession,” stated Marian-Jean Marinescu.
As to the request of the Chisinau Foreign Policy Association to hasten the procedures for associating with Moldova given the regional situation, the MEP said it is highly probable that the accord will be signed by the end of summer. “We are now surer as last week’s conclusions of the Council of the European Union, which was convened to discuss the situation in Ukraine, clearly say that the Association Agreement with Moldova will be signed by the end of August,” stated Marian-Jean Marinescu.
Moldova initialed the Association Agreement with the EU last November. On the same day, Ukraine was to sign the accord, but the country’s authorities suspended the procedures several days before the event. This decision aroused protests that later degenerated into rioting and led to the ousting of the power in Kiev. Crimea declared its independence from Ukraine and will hold a referendum on joining Russia. Moldovan experts consider that Russia can apply a similar scenario in the case of Moldova so as to thwart its European plans.
